MMA has witnessed an explosive growth in the Middle East over the last decade, and for good reason. Fighters from countries like Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, and Bahrain have proven they can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the world, whether it be in the UFC, PFL, or Brave Combat Federation.
Below, we shine the spotlight on five Middle Eastern MMA fighters who continue to make noise on the international stage, with detailed insights into their fighting styles, backgrounds, and impressive accomplishments.
1. Amir “The Prince” Albazi (Iraq) – UFC Flyweight
Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Amir Albazi grew up during a tumultuous time in his homeland. To escape conflict, his family relocated to Europe, seeking safety and new opportunities. It was in Sweden and later in the United Kingdom where Albazi began to explore martial arts, eventually honing his craft in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.
Albazi’s ground game is his bread and butter. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and uses his grappling prowess to secure takedowns and submissions with surgical precision. While his first instinct might be to take the fight to the mat, he has also displayed increasingly technical striking, blending crisp jabs with effective head movement.
Elite Grappling Skills: Whether he’s sinking in a rear-naked choke or transitioning to an armbar, Albazi keeps opponents guessing whenever the fight hits the canvas.
Evolving Stand-Up: Over the course of his UFC bouts, he has showcased improved footwork and counterpunching, making him a more well-rounded threat.
Notable Fights & Achievements
UFC Breakthrough: He made a statement in his promotional debut by finishing his opponent via submission, instantly earning the respect of fight fans.
Ranked Contender Status: With several UFC victories under his belt, Albazi is consistently climbing the flyweight ranks, bringing Iraqi pride into the Octagon each time.
2. Ottman “Bulldozer” Azaitar (Morocco) – UFC Lightweight
From the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, but proudly representing his Moroccan roots, Ottman Azaitar was a latecomer to the mixed martial arts scene. After dabbling in boxing and Muay Thai, he made the leap into professional MMA, quickly drawing attention with his aggressive style and knockout power.
Azaitar’s nickname, “Bulldozer,” perfectly encapsulates his no-nonsense approach. He relentlessly pressures opponents, cutting off the cage and launching heavy strikes with almost reckless abandon. His forward-leaning style forces adversaries to backpedal, creating the perfect opportunity for Azaitar’s thunderous right hand to land.
Lethal Striking: With fast, accurate punches and lethal leg kicks, he’s known for swift and devastating knockouts.
Iron Will: Even when pressured, Azaitar rarely shows signs of fear or fatigue. His mental resilience often outlasts opponents.
Notable Fights & Achievements
Highlight-Reel Debut: Azaitar made waves with a first-round knockout in his UFC debut, putting the lightweight division on notice.
Growing Fan Base: His all-action style has gained him a massive following in Morocco and beyond, making him one of the region’s most beloved MMA figures.
3. Jarrah “The Jordanian Lion” Al-Silawi (Jordan) – PFL Welterweight
Jarrah Al-Silawi emerged from Amman, Jordan, a city that has quietly nurtured a number of talented combat athletes. Before signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Al-Silawi cemented his legacy in BRAVE Combat Federation, capturing the welterweight title and defending it against top international talents.
Often referred to as “The Jordanian Lion,” Al-Silawi exemplifies a fearless approach, balanced by a keen sense of strategy. His stand-up game is highlighted by pinpoint striking combinations, while his grappling abilities enable him to escape tough ground situations and set up submissions if needed.
Technical Striker: Al-Silawi’s fluid boxing and kickboxing techniques allow him to control the distance, keeping opponents at bay and picking them apart systematically.
Composure Under Pressure: Even in the face of an aggressive onslaught, Al-Silawi remains calm and calculated, ready to counterattack at a moment’s notice.
Notable Fights & Achievements
BRAVE CF Dominance: Al-Silawi’s run in BRAVE CF included significant wins over reputable contenders, showcasing his all-around mastery.
Transition to PFL: With the PFL’s season format, Al-Silawi aims for a shot at the million-dollar prize, a testament to his ambition to succeed globally.
4. Mohammad “The Latest” Fakhreddine (Lebanon) – BRAVE Combat Federation (Middleweight & Light Heavyweight)
Hailing from Beirut, Lebanon, Mohammad Fakhreddine is a pioneer for Lebanese MMA. Growing up in a region often overshadowed by political tensions, he used martial arts as a conduit for channeling energy and discipline. Over time, Fakhreddine’s dedication paid off, propelling him to the international stage.
Fakhreddine is one of the rare athletes who’s proven capable of moving between weight classes without losing effectiveness. He strikes with ferocity, relying on heavy hands and excellent timing. Whether at middleweight or light heavyweight, Fakhreddine’s punch power remains a constant threat.
Two-Division Champion: Not many fighters can simultaneously hold belts in two separate weight categories, but Fakhreddine has managed this impressive feat in BRAVE CF.
High Fight IQ: Experience has molded him into a savvy competitor who can adapt mid-fight, whether he needs to brawl, wrestle, or employ a cautious game plan.
Notable Fights & Achievements
Historic Title Wins: By capturing both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight titles in BRAVE CF, Fakhreddine etched his name in the promotion’s record books.
Lebanese MMA Hero: In a country with limited MMA infrastructure, Fakhreddine’s accomplishments inspire a new generation looking to follow in his footsteps.
5. Hamza “The Pride of Bahrain” Kooheji (Bahrain) – BRAVE Combat Federation (Bantamweight)
Hamza Kooheji proudly bears the moniker “The Pride of Bahrain,” a title he has earned through his consistent performances and unwavering commitment to promoting MMA in his home country. Bahrain has been a major supporter of combat sports, and fighters like Kooheji exemplify why the nation’s influence in MMA is growing.
Rooted in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, Kooheji’s style revolves around methodical takedowns and controlling the pace on the ground. He looks to grind out opponents, draining their energy and gradually transitioning to submission attempts. While not as flashy as some striking-based fighters, Kooheji’s relentless pace often proves too much for adversaries to handle.
Superior Ground Control: Once the fight hits the mat, Kooheji’s top pressure keeps opponents pinned, limiting their ability to escape or mount offense.
Constant Evolution: He has put in significant time sharpening his stand-up game, making him a more versatile threat each time he steps into the cage.
Notable Fights & Achievements
Consistent Brave CF Performances: Kooheji’s growing list of wins in BRAVE CF has pushed him to the forefront of the promotion’s bantamweight division.
National Icon: With Bahrain’s leadership investing heavily in MMA events, Kooheji’s ascent inspires other Bahraini talents to pursue the sport professionally.
Why the Middle East Is Becoming an MMA Powerhouse
Increased Investment & Infrastructure: Countries like Bahrain and the UAE have poured resources into building top-tier gyms and hosting high-profile MMA events, thereby creating opportunities for local fighters.
Dedicated Fan Base: With MMA’s global popularity on the rise, Middle Eastern fans have embraced the sport with passion, driving demand for more locally cultivated talent.
Diverse Talent Pool: Fighters from the region bring varied backgrounds—wrestlers, kickboxers, and BJJ aficionados—making them well-rounded combatants capable of competing with the world’s best.
Inspirational Success Stories: Athletes like Albazi, Azaitar, Al-Silawi, Fakhreddine, and Kooheji serve as role models. Their paths to stardom motivate up-and-coming fighters to dream big and work tirelessly.